Dec. 3 marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is an annual opportunity to highlight the fact that access to nature is not a luxury, but a basic need for all.
In honor of the day, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund has highlighted four accessible trails across Israel, designed for visitors with disabilities, families with strollers or anyone seeking a comfortable walk through Israel’s stunning landscapes.
Meirav Davidian, the organization’s national accessibility coordinator, emphasizes that “International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an opportunity to showcase the extensive work carried out over the years.”
KKL-JNF continuously develops accessibility solutions, including walking paths, adapted seating areas and lookouts, and even bicycle trails for handcycles and tandem bikes. It stems from a belief that the right to enjoy nature is essential for everyone, without exception.
Accessible Trail at Givat HaMoreh
The trail circles Givat HaMoreh for about 1.3 kilometers (less than a mile) and offers a pleasant walking experience in the heart of the forest, with open views toward the Jezreel Valley, Mount Gilboa and Mount Tabor. Along the path are rest areas and benches overlooking the changing landscapes, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the scenery. About 100 meters from the trail entrance is the lush habitat where the Nazareth Iris blooms in the Givat HaMoreh Nature Reserve. To the southeast of the trail, you can see the Gilboa Mountains, Harod Valley and Beit She’an Valley. Around the outer circle of the trail, the Goat Trail (Shvil Ezim) is being developed, allowing visitors to experience the breathtaking views of Mount Tabor and the Beit Keshet Forest.
Jordan Park
Jordan Park, north of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), is a paradise of water, vegetation and charming hideaways, most of which are remarkably accessible. KKL-JNF and its partners paved comfortable paths, added accessible seating and recreation areas, and even built three accessible restroom facilities. Several paths lead to the central attractions of the park: the aqueduct, the pool and the watermill. Among the routes, you’ll find the Large Sycamore Trail, the Fishermen’s Trail and Einot Mishpa—natural pools among rocks that are easily accessed from the recreation area with picnic tables right by the water.
‘The Scroll of Fire’ Memorial in the Martyrs’ Forest
In the Martyrs’ Forest stands one of the most moving monuments in Israel: “The Scroll of Fire,” a bronze sculpture created by artist Nathan Rapaport, rising around eight meters high and weighing more than 12 tons. Shaped like the rolled ends of a scroll, the monument tells the story of the Jewish people. One scroll depicts the disasters that befell them, from the destruction of the Holy Temple to the Holocaust, and the second scroll symbolizes rebirth. Where the scroll of destruction meets the scroll of rebirth, you can see people in boats sailing toward the shores of the Land of Israel, restoring life to themselves and to the homeland. A short, accessible path leads directly from the Martyrs’ Forest recreation area outside Jerusalem to the monument.
Adamit Park and Me‘arat HaKeshet (the Arch Cave)
Atop Ramat Adamit in the Western Galilee lies one of Israel’s most beautiful nature sites: Adamit Park, which overlooks the Upper Galilee and the western coastline. From Adamit Park, an accessible trail of around half a kilometer leads directly to the Arch Cave, an impressive natural phenomenon that requires no climbing or significant effort. Along the trail, you will pass the Topaz Lookout, which offers breathtaking views, with accessible benches scattered along the route and handrails throughout the park to help with orientation and walking.
